Earth's Greatest Magus

The following day, Emery and all the other instructors gathered in the academy's grand hall for an urgent briefing regarding the highly anticipated group exam.

This was always the most challenging test of the year, one that tested their resilience in life-or-death situations. Even Emery felt the tension rise as they waited, knowing all too well how the so-called "fair exams" often held unexpected dangers.

Headmaster Goldstein took the stage and faced the crowd. His expression was more somber than usual, and as he began to speak, the room fell silent.

"This year's group exam, the students will be joining the war effort… we will send them to the frontline."

A collective gasp echoed through the hall. The instructors exchanged alarmed glances, each fully aware of the escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing war, and many had deep reservations about exposing their students to such peril.

Sensing their concern, Headmaster Goldstein explains that the request comes directly from the alliance's Minister of War. It has become an open secret that the academy was established to bolster the alliance's military strength. Unfortunately, the number of young individuals willing to take up arms has dwindled significantly over the years, prompting the need for this year's exam.

Emery observed the headmaster, noting the subtle shift in his eyes—a silent disapproval. Goldstein may not have agreed with the decision, but his duty to the alliance bound him to follow through.

"You have five days to prepare your students. Please ensure they understand the gravity of their situation and adhere to the provided guidelines."

The briefing hall buzzed with tension as the details of the group exam materialized on the shimmering projection screens. [Group Exam]

[Duration: 1 month]

[Minimum rank 9, no maximum number]

Emery read over the instructions twice, noting the unusual lack of restriction on the number of acolytes eligible to join. The only stipulation was that each hall must send acolytes ranked 9 or above, and if fewer than thirty were sent, that hall would be merged with another to form a full combat unit.

Around him, instructors whispered anxiously, concern etched across their faces. The prospect of sending untested acolytes into a true war zone left even veteran magus leaders visibly unsettled. Emery, however, remained calm, a small assurance building in him. His Hall 6 acolytes were not only trained to their fullest—they were all at rank 9. Unlike some other halls, where only a select few could qualify, every one of his 50 acolytes had earned the right to participate.

But that wasn't the only advantage. The guideline stated that two magus instructors would be permitted to accompany their acolytes. The presence of trained magus would provide crucial support, ensuring the survival and success of younger fighters.

Tensions broke when Grand Magus Lewis of the Nephilim Hall 10 stepped forward, his voice carrying a sharp edge of protest.

"Is this a mistake?" he demanded, a frown twisting his usually composed expression. "Our halls are filled with the academy's brightest, and the expectations here are unrealistic. Two magus instructors are not enough protection for this kind of task!"

Emery glanced around, noting the shared expressions of concern from other top hall instructors. They were accustomed to the extra layer of security in these exams, often granted a Grand Magus to lead and shield their students. With the stakes of the war rising, these instructors felt the absence keenly.

Headmaster Goldstein's expression softened for a moment, revealing his conflicted feelings. "This is the directive we've been given… rest assured, the acolytes will be assigned under the command of an experienced Grand Magus. Additionally, another magus from the academy will be deployed to support the group."

The response was meant to ease concerns, but it only stirred further agitation from Grand Magus Lewis, who let out a scoff. "From the academy?" he said, his tone laced with disdain. His remark clearly questioned the academy staff's competency, making an already tense room grow tenser.

Headmaster Goldstein is visibly unwilling to engage in a drawn-out debate. His Deputy, Grand Magus Aurora stepped forward, her demeanor a blend of elegance and authority. "I understand the gravity of your concerns, but remember that these young acolytes are not only here to hone their skills; they are to learn the responsibility they hold toward the alliance and to the many lives it protects" ř𝙖ƝȮ𝐁ΕṢ

Her words held a steady assurance that softened some of the furrowed brows around the room. Then, she added, with a request "Please, convey these messages carefully to their families and factions"

Many were uneasy about this year's exam, and Emery understood why. Yet, seeing the headmaster's reluctant stance and the Nephilim's open frustration reassured him that there wasn't some veiled plot to harm his hall. Despite the challenges, he felt relieved knowing he would be there beside his acolytes for their final academy experience, guiding them through the trials ahead.

When he returned to his hall and shared the news, the acolytes' excitement was palpable. The prospect of contributing to the war effort thrilled them—it would be a real opportunity to apply everything they'd trained for. The insectoid half-bloods, in particular, were unfazed by the idea of the battlefield; after all, thousands of their kind had already been deployed in similar conflicts. For them, this was almost a rite of passage.

Emery, however, didn't let their enthusiasm overshadow the reality of the dangers. He gathered them and delivered a stern warning about what they might face. He emphasized that no one would be pressured or treated differently for opting out, should they feel unprepared or uncertain.

But in the end, each of the fifty acolytes stepped forward, willing and eager to stand as one. Hall 6 would face the battlefield together, determined to prove their strength and resilience in the heat of real combat.

When it came time to select his second instructor for the exam, Emery's first thought was Magus Camila. Her military background having to follow Izta for many years and her expertise in technology—fields where he knew he could use support—made her an ideal candidate. Yet, as he mulled over his options, Klea gave him a single, knowing smile, the kind that spoke volumes.

"Yes…" Emery chuckled, "Klea, of course, I choose you."

With that settled, Emery's mind turned to the preparation ahead. He had five days to ensure his acolytes—and himself—were ready for anything the frontline might throw at them. As he thinks about the challenges and possibilities ahead, he feels it in his bones—something big is going to happen.

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